Telemental Health for Clients

TBHI is delighted to be launching a series of Q&A from our audiences. In this blog, then interspersed with our other news and features, we’ll post a question obtained from one of our Trainees. One such question will be drawn and answered regularly. While we can’t answer each question individually, we will try our very best to respond to all your queries. Send us your questions/enquiry/concerns by dropping an email here.

The most burning question that I have about starting telemental health is how much of a learning curve is there for clients. Meaning how long does it take the clients to a) Get comfortable with a counselor through the use of telemental health? and b) How long does it take the clients to learn how to use the technology.

Time involvement depends on the diagnosis and cognitive functioning of the client/patient, your setting, their setting, and the technology. Assuming average intelligence, a relatively transitory problem such as relationship breakup with mild depression/anxiety, using a well-known video platform with no email or text messaging, it will take most practitioners about 35-45 minutes of informed consent initial discussion to cover a number of risks and benefits as well as other technology-specific issues. This should be followed by a technology check in to make sure the client/patient can manage the technology. This timing is dependent on you and your client’s/patient’s proficiency with technology in general and your proficiency with your chosen technology.